Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also join in the call for a full, open and frank debate on the sale of Aer Lingus in advance of any decision being taken. Irish people have a huge attachment to brand Aer Lingus which has served us well since its establishment many decades ago. It has flown many of us to many corners of the world and we need to tread very carefully before we make a final decision. A significant number of jobs in Dublin, Shannon and Cork are linked with a possible sale. The issue of connectivity has been well addressed. The value of the Heathrow Airport slots cannot be underestimated and I presume this is what makes the company particularly attractive to new pursuers. Before any decision is taken, this House should have a full, frank and open debate on the matter. While we do not have a controlling interest in the company, we still have a very significant shareholding. Many of us would have preferred if all those years ago a decision to sell had not been taken, but, as the saying goes, we are where we are. Let us hope that whatever decision is taken is very much in the best interests of the country.

I also wish the incoming Greek Government well, as it has a major job of work to do. We all want to see stability in Greece and throughout Europe. We also want to see job creation. Greece has a huge issue with unemployment, with 25% of the population unemployed, a 50% youth unemployment figure and huge debt issues. It is in all of our interests, therefore, that the Greek Government succeeds. The issue of debt will be centre stage in the coming weeks and months. Like Senator Thomas P. Craughwell and others, I would like to see the issue of debt and quantitative easing discussed in the House during the coming weeks in order that we will all be better informed. Quantitative easing is a difficult issue for many of us to understand and having an opportunity to engage in a good debate with experts would be of great benefit to all Members of the House.